FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.06.2009 12:57

Henry celebrates two years at Barça

David Puig

Thierry Henry was presented as a new player with FC Barcelona two years ago on Thursday after agreeing a deal to join the club from Arsenal and he has gone on to become a key figure in a trophy-filled stay at Camp Nou.

More than 30,000 fans turned up to witness the arrival of the French international as he paraded on the pitch in the Blaugrana's stadium wearing the familiar home kit. Henry joining the club was one of the main events to raise expectations at Barça in recent seasons and was comparable to the day that Ronaldinho joined. Two years after the event, Henry has shown that he has lost none of his magic after a first season of adaptation.

First season

Henry did not have an easy debut campaign as he took time to adjust to his new surroundings after spending so many years at Arsenal under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. A back injury also affected his performances, but he still managed to net an incredible 19 goals in 47 official games and become the team's top scorer. With 12 goals in la Primera, three in the Champions League and four in the Copa del Rey, he showed what he was capable of.

Champions League triumph

Without doubt, the 2008-09 season was a step up for everyone and Henry in particular as he helped the Blaugrana to win an unprecedented treble. It was no secret that Henry's dream was to win the Champions League to complete a unique medals haul and he proved to be a guiding light as the team pushed towards the final in Rome. In the European competition, he scored five times in his nine appearances and was able to celebrate after beating Manchester United.

Third highest scorer

Last term Henry produced some of his best displayS as he completed an impressive frontline trio along with Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o as they became the top scorers in Europe. Among the three of them they netted a stunning 97 goals with the Frenchman managed 25 of those to become the club's third highest marksman. Of all his efforts though the brace against Real Madrid in the thrilling 6-2 win in the Santiago Bernabéu will long be remembered.